aquatraders? yay or nay?

[rafa316]

Could you try posting an update in a couple of weeks?
Mave even taking a few pictures?

[rgun2515]

Will do... When I finish the tank setup, ill post.

[Vinnie71975]

Originally posted by rgun2515
I know what I said, but I ordered a light from them anyway. For 179.00 I thought it was worth a try. I ordered the 72" CF fixture. Looks good to me. I will build/buy a few pendant MH's in the future. But for now, it throws a lot of light, runs very quiet, and was cheep.

Shipping- Packed very well. Rapped in bubble rap, and 3 cardboard boxes.

Construction-Plastic legs could be better, but the rest is fine.

Heat-Ran for 24 hours in a 70 degree non ventilated room. Did not melt or get overly hot.

There is no reason for other manufactures to charge so much. They just do because they get it. Manufactures like Odyssea will help bring the price of other manufactures down...

I went with Nova extreme for a couple of reasons over the odyssea fixture first and formost CF bulbs need replaced ever 6 to 9 months, T5 need replaced every 12 to 18 months BIG COST SAVER in the long term. Second I have read in a number of places that the Par Value on there CF and T6 bulbs is FAR lower than a Standard HO T5, and third As far as their T6 light goes they are the ONLY maker of T6 bulbs So if for example they go bankrupt in 6 months you cant replace bulbs! i have a Sea Clone Skimmer that i Modded that is so far running good BUT i do plan on buying a Second skimmer for my 55g tank once it is up. and i plan to try one of theirs. The main thing that Bothers me about Aquatraders Other than the above is ya they have cheap stuff but the kill the value with their EXTREMELY high shipping charges!

[jubjub]

Originally posted by colotl
Like opiumpipez said they can catch on fire. They are not UL Listed. Insurance sometimes won't cover stuff that has been damaged by a product that was not tested by a saftey certfication lab.

ugh thats ignorant, i love how people post stuff that is either A, flat untrue, or B, unaware of the facts.....

FACT: the new models do not catch fire, there was a flaw or something with their magnetic ballasts, they have switched over to the new electronic ones. there is a massive thread about the new light fixtures alot of people mention that it is well built fixtures.

FACT: people have the mentallity if its cheap its not good. kia's are cheap granted they are no mercedez benz but if you need basic transportation that kia will work just as well as any benz.

FACT: few people have modded these lights and pulled the CF lights out to put a single T5 bulb on each side...i have pondered doing that myself it will still be cheaper then getting a name brand fixture.

for someone on a budget or just getting started there is absolutely nothing wrong with their equipment maybe i just have had very good luck but i dont know why people complain

[rafa316]

These are all good points

[jubjub]

Originally posted by rgun2515
Something wrong... Prices are too cheep...

$599.00 for 72" 1134W Metal Halide System

3x 250 W HQI
4X 96W
8x plug in bluemoon LED

http://www.aquatraders.com/index.asp...rodID=332&HS=1

just proved fact 2

[Vinnie71975]

Originally posted by jubjubrsx
ugh thats ignorant, i love how people post stuff that is either A, flat untrue, or B, unaware of the facts.....

FACT: the new models do not catch fire, there was a flaw or something with their magnetic ballasts, they have switched over to the new electronic ones. there is a massive thread about the new light fixtures alot of people mention that it is well built fixtures.

FACT: people have the mentallity if its cheap its not good. kia's are cheap granted they are no mercedez benz but if you need basic transportation that kia will work just as well as any benz.

FACT: few people have modded these lights and pulled the CF lights out to put a single T5 bulb on each side...i have pondered doing that myself it will still be cheaper then getting a name brand fixture.

for someone on a budget or just getting started there is absolutely nothing wrong with their equipment maybe i just have had very good luck but i dont know why people complain

Are they UL listed? I don't dispute anything you said but you didn't answer to if they were UL listed.

With me it was more the Short life span of CF and the fact that they are the only ones who make T6 bulbs(im not a DIY kinda guy so i have to use it stock!)

[rafa316]

FACT: few people have modded these lights and pulled the CF lights out to put a single T5 bulb on each side...

Seems like a good idea too, having a basic working fixture can open many future oportunitites for customization

I would say the investment is probably worth it, specially for people starting in the hobbbie

[Vinnie71975]

Originally posted by rafa316
FACT: few people have modded these lights and pulled the CF lights out to put a single T5 bulb on each side...

Seems like a good idea too, having a basic working fixture can open many future oportunitites for customization

I would say the investment is probably worth it, specially for people starting in the hobbbie

Yes but are they UL listed???

[jubjub]

Originally posted by Vinnie71975
Yes but are they UL listed???

does it really matter, you modify anything in your house then it voids that anywho.....you got your fancy new modified maxijet bloop no longer UL cert'd....

regardless of the fact here is i did my homework, alot of people are satisfied with these lights/skimmer i am satisfied with them as well. would i suggest them to other people...yes, yes i would. do i worry about not being UL no not really if it burns your house down or what ever there is insurance

[firsthesitation]

Everyone you talk to will probly have a different opinion on these types of things but I have 2 odyssey (aquatraders) fixtures on my tank and the UV sterilizer......given dealing with the customer service lady over there is ridiculous I cant complain about the lights. Hope to GOD nothing on your order arrives broken, I ordered my UV sterilizer the 17th of December and am still waiting for the right replacement chamber since it arrived broken. Eventually though I'd like to upgrade but on the limited budget they work.